- Chris Teague
- 1/26/2023
Even the most reliable new cars eventually turn into used cars in need of maintenance and repairs. Over time, various parts of your car start to age, sometimes not so gracefully, which can start to add up from a mileage standpoint. As your factory warranty expires, it’s time to decide if you want an extended warranty, but you can also make that decision after the car has cleared 100,000 miles. In these cases, a special high-mileage warranty can prevent big spending at the shop. Let’s take a look at why that is, and which warranty options are the best for your car.
The 6 Best Extended Warranties Over 100k Miles
CARCHEX
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles.
- Plans include coverage for several vehicle systems and components, including climate controls and electrical systems.
- Large network of supported mechanics and shops.
- Additional services available, including rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage.
- See our full review of CARCHEX here.
Select Auto Protect
- Offers three levels of coverage.
- States that age of car does not matter, as long as car is in good working order at the time policy is purchased.
- Available in all 50 states.
- Very good reviews from customers.
- See our full review of Select Auto Protect here.
autopom!
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 150,000 miles.
- Even mid-level plans offer coverage for most major vehicle systems.
- Offers additional coverage for rental cars and trip interruption.
- See our full review of autopom! here.
Endurance
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
- Many plans cover common wear items, such as seals and gaskets.
- Loans available for up to $5,000 to cover repairs.
- Additional services available include trip interruption service, key fob replacement, and roadside assistance.
- See our full review of Endurance here.
CarShield
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
- High-level plans offer near comprehensive coverage.
- Offers monthly payments instead of lump-sum payment due up front.
- See our full review of CarShield here.
Protect My Car
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 125,000 miles.
- Flexible terms and payment plans available.
- Coverage for additional items, such as rental cars and trip interruption.
- See our full review of Protect My Car here.
What is a High Mileage Warranty?
When someone says high-mileage, they typically mean vehicles that have been driven more than 100,000 miles. All new vehicles are covered by a warranty to protect buyers from manufacturers defects or from early-life failure of components like the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. At some point, either by crossing a mileage limit or by aging past the warranty’s term, vehicles are no longer covered by the warranty and any needed repairs have to be covered by the owner.
This isn’t the biggest deal in the world for some cars, but most will start to need maintenance and replacement parts at an increasingly frequent rate as the miles climb. Some people are quick to act, and buy an extended warranty just as their factory warranties expire, but others make the decision later on. That’s where high-mileage warranties come into play. They are designed to provide a safety net for owners of well-loved vehicles with tons of miles.
Depending on the plan and company, extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles can be nearly as good as the one that came with the vehicle from the factory. Many warranty providers offer coverage for drivetrain components, electrical and climate control systems, and more. Some even include roadside assistance and other benefits as part of the package.
When a High Mileage Warranty Makes Sense
High mileage warranties make the most sense in these situations:
- The owner plans on keeping the vehicle for an extended period of time.
- The vehicle is known to experience many expensive repairs after 100,00 miles.
- The vehicle is driven long distances regularly.
In some cases, an extended warranty makes sense to provide peace of mind. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that trust and low stress levels make for the happiest vehicle ownership experience, and for some people, an extended warranty can provide that.
Pros and Cons of a High Mileage Warranty
- Can help you extend the life of your vehicle
- May prevent costly surprises as major components fail
- May add value if the vehicle is headed for sale
- Warranty costs may be higher than a standard policy
- Low value vehicles aren’t always worth the cost of a warranty addition
Is A High Mileage Extended Auto Warranty Worth It For You?
Consider how long you’re planning on driving your vehicle. Do you want to drive it until there’s absolutely no way it’s going another mile? If so, an extended warranty may be a good move for you. On the other hand, if you’re planning on selling the vehicle, the warranty won’t add any value to your sale. It’s also important to account for the type of vehicle you’re considering covering. If you’re driving a high-mileage Toyota LandCruiser, for example, your experience with it as it ages will be drastically different than a questionably maintained German sedan from the same era.
Common Problems with Cars Over 100k Mileage
Even the most durable cars will start to experience issues with various systems as they age.
| Vehicle System | Usually Covered |
|---|
Cost of a High Mileage Warranty
In general, the costs for the plans we’ve recommended will vary from place to place and vehicle to vehicle. Averages include:
- CarChex: $1,500 for a five-year contract
- Select Auto Protect: Up to $3,000 per year
- Endurance: Up to $700 per year
- Autopom!: Up to $4,000 for five-year plan
- CarShield: Up to $150 per month
- Protect My Car: Up to $185 per month
It’s important to remember that your mileage may vary wildly, depending on your vehicle and where you live. You may also see a big difference in pricing if you select a plan that covers every part of the vehicle.
Fast Extended Warranty Rate Quotes
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Top Rated Warranty Companies
4.9
of 5
CARCHEX is one of the largest, most highly-rated providers of vehicle extended warranties in the market. They have been a trusted name in the business for 20 years.
4.8
of 5
autopom! is well known in the industry for customer service and responsiveness. The company works directly with 2600 certified repair facilities and has a dedicated customer advocacy program.
4.5
of 5
Toco Warranty Corporation is a relative newcomer in the industry, but they are making a splash. They maintain a solid reputation with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Toco is known for offering affordable plans with no down payment and the ability to pay in monthly installments.
Call Now: 800-276-8769
Full Review
See complete best car warranty ratings »
Our Methodology For Best Warranty Providers
Car Talk has spent the last year doing a deep dive into the warranties industry for the benefit of our readership and long-time listeners. Our process for deciding on the best warranty companies for the year was exceptionally thorough, involving in-depth research and our unique secret shopper initiative. We compiled over 50 data points across all reviewed companies to refine and inform our selection process. Car Talk reviewed the following important criteria for each company:
Consumer Satisfaction: Cross referencing multiple trusted resources to pull our fair and balanced customer reviews.
Cost: Utilizing our secret shopper initiative, we got comparable quotes across all companies so we can validly compare pricing.
Coverage and Offerings: Our research team delved into the coverage and offerings for each company, comparing what is available, including extras and discounts.
Official Ratings: We consulted a wide range of verified review sites to extrapolate a ratings score for each.
FAQ
- Do Any New Cars Come With A 100,000-Mile Warranty?
Yes, a few automakers offer long warranties on their vehicles from the factory. Kia, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi all come with 10-year/100,000-mile warranties that cover drivetrain components and related parts.
- Should I Buy An Extended Warranty From My Dealership?
It might be tempting to pick up a warranty on the spot, but you should go into the discussion armed with knowledge on what plans typically cost and whether or not your vehicle actually needs a warranty. Since you’re a captive audience at the dealer, they sometimes don’t offer the best prices.
- What Does a 100K Warranty Cover?
Warranties that cover cars over 100,000 miles offer many of the same benefits and protections that standard warranties do. Depending on the warranty selected, you may see powertrain, electronics, and climate system protections, among other things.
- What is the Best Extended Warranty Company for Cars?
Every company has its pros and cons, but a few stand out above the rest. Endurance is highly regarded for warranties on older, higher-mileage vehicles, while others like autopom! Provide a simple quote process. The best company for you and your car may be completely different, so it’s important to shop around to find the one that meets your needs, your budget, and that makes you comfortable spending the money.
- What Happens if the Dealership Can’t Fix My Car Under Warranty?
If your car is still under its factory warranty and the dealer can’t fix a problem, they may be obligated to buy the car back or compensate you in some way, but consumer laws vary from state to state. Extended warranties are even trickier, so it’s important that you ask these questions up front. Your warranty company may offer compensation or protection against a problem that can’t be fixed, but don’t count on it without getting it in writing first.
- What Parts Generally Wear Out On High-Mileage Cars?
This one’s hard to nail down, because at that mileage, anything can happen. You’re most likely going to start seeing things like water pumps, seals, hoses, and other items wearing out as your vehicle ages.
(Video) How Much Should You Pay For A Car Dealership Warranty?
Editor's note and disclaimer: Car Talk is supported by our fans, readers and listeners. When you click on some of the links on our website, we may receive referral compensation. However, you should know that the recommendations we make are based on our independent editorial review and analyses.
FAQs
Can you get an extended warranty on a car with over 100k miles? ›
Yes, you can get an extended warranty even if your vehicle has over 100k miles. Third-party warranty companies, like the ones listed above, offer plans that can last up to 300,000 miles, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your car with peace of mind.
Who has 100k mile warranty? ›What does a 100k miles warranty cover? The Hyundai and Kia factory warranties offer 100,000-mile powertrain coverage as part of a new car purchase. These warranties cover the cost of repairs for the engine, fuel pump, gaskets, and other parts listed in the manufacturer's warranty.
What is the best extended car warranty on the market? ›The best extended car warranty companies are Carchex and autopom!, according to WalletHub's analysis of 11 major providers. These extended warranty companies rank highest due to a combination of low prices, varied coverage options, and strong ratings from industry watchdogs.
How much does CarShield typically cost per month? ›What is the Cost of a CarShield Warranty? CarShield plans typically cost between $99.99 and $129.99 per month. This is for a very basic, no frills plan. Your pricing will vary greatly depending on the age and mileage of your car, and other factors that are specific to you.
Are car manufacturers extended warranties worth the money? ›Like most insurance policies, an extended warranty is something you pay for in the hope that you'll never need to use it. For many owners, it's worth paying the price for peace of mind; even if your car is built by a brand renowned for its reliability, there's always a risk that something could go wrong.
What manufacturer has the longest warranty? ›Kia currently offers the longest standard manufacturer warranty on the market at 7 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Does CarShield cover high mileage cars? ›Yes, CarShield does have a mileage limit. CarShield's mileage limit is 300,000 miles, which is higher than the limits from most third-party service-contract providers, allowing you to cover older, breakdown-prone cars with a CarShield contract.
What should you replace at 100K miles? ›- Fluids. Check all fluids (transmission, power steering, coolant, brake, and fuel) for proper levels. ...
- Belts and Hoses. ...
- Tires. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Suspension. ...
- Compression Test. ...
- Shocks and Struts. ...
- High Mileage Oil.
Con: They Are More Expensive When Purchased Later
In addition, with a few miles on the odometer, you will command a top deal. For new cars, the service contract will not kick in for several years, usually near the time the original warranty expires.
Employed misleading sales and advertising practices, including TV advertisements stating consumers will not be responsible for expensive repairs and can take their vehicle to any repair facility which consumers found was not to be true. Failed to cover repairs.
Is CarShield better than extended warranty? ›
CarShield also offers more flexibility than a traditional Warranty or Extended Warranty. For repairs under a CarShield plan, you can use your local ASE Certified Repair Shop, or you can even go to a Dealership to get your vehicle repaired.
What company is better than CarShield? ›Compared to CarShield, CARCHEX offers more differentiated coverage between tiers. The Titanium plan is available for new and pre-owned vehicles, and optional vehicle coverage for high-tech electronics and windshield repairs is also available.
Does CarShield have a good rating? ›CarShield customers award this company a 4.0-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot, where 76% of 35,000 customer reviews are positive.
What is the mileage limit for extended warranty? ›Overview of Extended Warranty Plans
Many manufacturer's warranty plans are limited to 3 years/36,000 miles of coverage, so older vehicles often lack protection entirely. Motorists are potentially risking hundreds or thousands of dollars by driving around without extended warranty coverage.
That's because vehicles up to 20 years old can get award-winning Endurance coverage even if they're high-mileage vehicles.
Is it worth buying a car with over 100k miles? ›You needn't worry about high mileage in many cases - but there are certainly some things to think about. Seeing a figure of over 100,000 miles on a car that's less than three years old can be really off-putting, and can signal that the car has had a tough life being used as a taxi or similar.
Is a car worth buying after 100k miles? ›Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.